Aberdeen-based behavioural change consultancy, Optimus Seventh Generation, has reinforced its commitment to safety in the drilling industry, by announcing the launch of its new ‘Operationalising the Safety Case’ workshop.

The workshop, designed for drill rig crew and leadership in the global drilling industry, has been developed to raise awareness of major hazardous accidents within the safety case, and to provide a greater understanding of the strength and depth of plant, people and process barriers designed to protect the rig.

Optimus Seventh Generation Chief Executive Derek Smith said: “In the current economic climate it is increasingly important that expenditure on training is focused on the most vital areas. In our experience there is little of more importance than protecting people, the environment and the rig, by bringing alive the barriers to major accident hazards that are contained in the safety case.

“While the drilling industry is challenged by the current low oil price, Optimus remains committed to investing in the development of training products specifically designed for the global drilling industry. ‘Operationalising the Safety Case’ will be the first in a suite of training products we’re developing, and later in the year we will be launching Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Well Control.”

Optimus will be showcasing ‘Operationalising the Safety Case’ workshop at the IADC Drilling HSE&T Conference in Kuala Lumpur from the 11 - 12 March.

Mr Smith continued: “We are excited to be attending the IADC Conference, as it’s a great platform to highlight our capabilities, and to meet with drilling professionals to seek their views and input to CRM for Well Control, to ensure we’re producing the best product for the end-user.

“Macondo highlighted the increased need for cognitive training in the oil and gas industry, and we have started to see a greater demand for CRM in response to this and the guidelines issued by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) in response.”

Optimus Seventh Generation is looking to translate the outcomes of academic research, and the subsequent OGP guidance, into a practical workshop, giving those involved in well control the non-technical skills required to respond appropriately to a well control situation.

“These projects represent an exciting opportunity for the company to expand our training offerings, and to be at the forefront of developments in the drilling industry,” concluded Mr Smith.

Since its formation in 2003, Optimus Seventh Generation has built a diverse portfolio of global customers, focusing on high hazard industries both within the UK and internationally, with offices in Aberdeen, Rio de Janeiro and Perth Australia.